Frame assembly and system for inserting a free-standing household appliance into a wall recess

ABSTRACT

A frame assembly ( 2 ) and a system including the frame assembly and a free-standing household appliance ( 3 ) are configured for inserting the free-standing household appliance ( 3 ) into a recess ( 4 ) in a wall ( 6 ). In order to improve a visually pleasing combination of a free-standing household appliance ( 3 ) and at least one piece of furniture, the frame assembly ( 2 ) for inserting the free-standing household appliance into a recess ( 4 ) of a furniture set that is or can be disposed against a wall ( 6 ), at least one connection module ( 22 ) is configured for connecting the free-standing household appliance ( 3 ) to domestic installations, wherein the connection module ( 22 ) is designed both to connect at least one connector ( 26 ) of the free-standing household appliance ( 3 ) to the connection module ( 22 ) and to connect the connection module ( 22 ) to the domestic installations.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a frame assembly for inserting a free-standing household appliance into a recess on a wall and to a system comprising the frame assembly.

BACKGROUND

It is known from the prior art to combine free-standing household appliances with pieces of furniture, such as pieces of kitchen furniture. The free-standing household appliances are set up next to the pieces of furniture.

SUMMARY

The invention therefore poses the problem of improving a visually pleasing combination of a free-standing household appliance and at least one piece of furniture.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a frame assembly for inserting a free-standing household appliance into a recess of a furniture set that is or can be disposed against a wall, the frame assembly having the features of claim 1, according to which the frame assembly comprises at least one connection module for connecting the free-standing household appliance to domestic installations, wherein the connection module is designed both to connect at least one connector of the free-standing household appliance to the connection module and to connect the connection module to the domestic installations. Furthermore, this problem is solved by a system having the features of claim 9, according to which the frame assembly and the free-standing household appliance are designed to be coordinated with one another, such that the free-standing household appliance can be connected to the connection module in a first connection process with at least one separate connector of the at least one connector and this connector can be connected to the free-standing household appliance in a subsequent second connection process. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention can be found in the subsequent dependent claims.

The advantage that can be achieved with the invention is in particular that a visually pleasing combination of a free-standing household appliance and at least one piece of furniture is improved. The connection of the free-standing household appliance to domestic installations is significantly simplified by means of the invention.

The free-standing household appliance can be, for example, a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a combination appliance for washing and drying laundry, or a dishwasher. The furniture set can be designed, for example, as a kitchen unit formed from a plurality of pieces of kitchen furniture in a kitchen or a plurality of pieces of bathroom furniture in a bathroom. The term “free-standing household appliance” is to be understood in general terms and includes free-standing household appliances having a large number of different designs of free-standing household appliances.

In principle, the at least one connection module can be freely selected within wide, suitable limits in terms of type, mode of operation, material, dimensions, number and arrangement. An advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the connection module is designed to connect a free-standing household appliance designed as a water-carrying household appliance to the domestic installations, the connection module having at least one water supply pipe having a fresh water inlet assigned to the domestic installations and a fresh water outlet assigned to the free-standing household appliance, and a water discharge pipe having a waste water inlet assigned to the free-standing household appliance and a waste water outlet assigned to the domestic installations. In this way, the connection of a water-carrying household appliance to the domestic installations is simplified. The connection module can be designed to be suitable for a cold water connection and/or for a hot water connection of the free-standing household appliance.

An advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides according to the last-mentioned embodiment that a shut-off valve is disposed in the water supply pipe, wherein the shut-off valve automatically blocks a fresh water supply to the free-standing household appliance designed as the water-carrying household appliance depending on an output signal of a leakage sensor. In this way, it is reliably ensured that a water supply to the free-standing household appliance is prevented in the event of a leak in the free-standing household appliance. In addition, a corresponding safety device can be omitted from the free-standing household appliance.

In principle, the leakage sensor can be freely selected within wide, suitable limits in terms of type, mode of operation, material, dimensions, number and arrangement. It is advantageously provided that the leakage sensor is an integral constituent of the connection module. This further improves the functionality of the connection module.

Another advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the connection module has at least one socket connected to the domestic installations to conduct electricity for supplying power to the free-standing household appliance. In this way, the power supply to the free-standing household appliance is implemented in a particularly simple manner and the functionality of the connection module is improved.

A particularly advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the frame assembly has an interior space delimited by the frame assembly for receiving the free-standing household appliance, wherein the connection module is disposed outside the interior space. This ensures that the free-standing household appliance can be received by the frame assembly on the one hand without being hindered by the connection module. The insertion of the free-standing household appliance is correspondingly simplified. On the other hand, the free space required for proper operation of the free-standing household appliance is ensured between the free-standing household appliance on the one hand and the frame assembly according to the invention on the other hand. Accordingly, for example, an undesired transmission of vibrations of the free-standing household appliance to the frame assembly according to the invention is effectively prevented.

A further advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the connection module is disposed on the frame assembly in such a way that a connector of the free-standing household module disposed on the rear side of the free-standing household appliance can be connected to the connection module. This substantially simplifies the connection of the at least one connector of the free-standing household module disposed on the rear side of the free-standing household appliance to the connection module. Positioning the at least one connector on the rear side of the free-standing household appliance in accordance with the system according to the invention is beneficial for a visually pleasing combination of the free-standing household appliance and the at least one piece of furniture.

Another advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the frame assembly has a first frame and a second frame separate from the first frame, wherein the first frame is designed to receive the free-standing household appliance and the second frame is designed to receive the connection module, and wherein the second frame can be connected to the first frame in such a way that the second frame is disposed in an installed position of the frame assembly laterally next to the first frame. In this way, a special design of the first frame for receiving the free-standing household appliance and of the second frame for receiving the connection module is made possible. Furthermore, this two-part frame assembly can be handled more easily even under difficult installation conditions in comparison with a frame assembly having only a single frame. In addition, it is thereby possible to design the second frame for receiving the connection module also for the connection of other devices or installations, such as washbasins or the like.

An advantageous development of the system according to the invention provides that the frame assembly and the free-standing household appliance are designed to be coordinated with one another, such that the free-standing household appliance can be connected to the connection module in a first connection process with at least one separate connector of the at least one connector and this connector can be connected to the free-standing household appliance in a subsequent second connection process. In this way, the assembly of the free-standing household appliance of the system according to the invention is further improved, since only a small amount of free space is required in order to connect the at least one separate connector to the free-standing household appliance. Accordingly, the free-standing household appliance can be inserted very far into the recess for the free-standing household appliance before the second connection process.

An advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment of the system according to the invention provides that this separate connector is designed as a hose for a water-carrying connection between the connection module and the free-standing household appliance. The connection of large-sized connector such as hoses is particularly difficult, in particular when space is limited. By means of the design as a separate connection means, the connection of a hose is significantly improved, namely simplified, even under such difficult space conditions. This is because, as a result of this development, the hose can first be connected to the connection module and subsequently to the free-standing household appliance. Correspondingly, a fitter can also carry out the connection of the hose to the free-standing household appliance when the free-standing household appliance is already largely in the inserted state.

An advantageous development of the two last-mentioned embodiments of the system according to the invention provides that the separate connector and the free-standing household appliance and/or the separate connector and the connection module each have corresponding quick-release locking means. This further simplifies the connection of the separate connector to the free-standing household appliance and/or the connection module. The quick-release locking means that correspond to one another can, for example, be a plug connection, a bayonet lock or the like.

An advantageous development of the system according to the invention in accordance with any of claims 10 to 12 provides that the free-standing household appliance has a rear cover protrusion, wherein this separate connector is disposed in an installation space defined by means of the cover protrusion and a rear wall of the free-standing household appliance after the connection of the free-standing household appliance to the connection module has taken place in an inserted state of the free-standing household appliance. In this way it is ensured that the at least one separate connector is not pressed or kinked in an undesired manner when the free-standing household appliance is in the inserted state. Undesired contact between the free-standing household appliance and the frame assembly or the wall is also effectively prevented by means of the separate connection means.

The invention also has the object of allowing a visually pleasing combination of a free-standing household appliance and at least one piece of furniture in a structurally simple manner.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a frame assembly for inserting a free-standing household appliance into a recess of a furniture set that is or can be disposed against a wall, comprising two floor rails disposed parallel to one another for guiding the feet of the free-standing household appliance disposed on two opposite sides of the free-standing household appliance, while inserting the free-standing household appliance, wherein the floor rails can be fastened to the wall by means of at least one holder. This allows a visually pleasing combination of a free-standing household appliance and at least one piece of furniture in a structurally simple manner.

As a visually pleasing combination of the free-standing household appliance and the at least one piece of furniture, i.e. the furniture set that is or can be disposed against the wall, it is considered that the free-standing household appliance forms an optical unit with the furniture set in which it is integrated. Accordingly, it is necessary that the free-standing household appliance can be inserted with a precise fit into the recess provided in the furniture set for the free-standing household appliance. This is implemented in a structurally simple manner by means of the frame assembly according to the invention. By means of the floor rails disposed parallel to one another, safe and precise guidance of the free-standing household appliance is made possible while inserting it into the recess provided for the free-standing household appliance. Due to the at least one holder, by means of which the two floor rails disposed parallel to one another can be fastened to the wall, a very precise spatial alignment of the free-standing household appliance relative to the recess provided for the free-standing household appliance and thus relative to the furniture set, into which the free-standing household appliance is to be integrated, is achieved in a structurally particularly simple manner.

The term “free-standing household appliance” is to be understood in general terms and includes free-standing household appliances having a large number of different designs of feet for setting up the respective free-standing household appliance on a floor. For example, the feet can be designed as rollers or comprise rollers. The rollers can be at least partially lockable in order to prevent the free-standing household appliance from rolling away undesirably during operation of the free-standing household appliance. However, other types of feet are also possible. It is also conceivable that the respective free-standing household appliance has a mixture of different types of feet. The possible designs of the floor rails of the frame assembly according to the invention for guiding the feet of the free-standing household appliance while inserting it into the recess provided for this purpose are also correspondingly diverse.

In principle, the at least one holder of the two floor rails disposed parallel to one another can be freely selected within wide, suitable limits in terms of type, mode of operation, material, dimensions, number and arrangement. For example, it would be conceivable that each floor rail is assigned a holder by means of which the respective floor rail can be fastened to the wall independently of the other floor rail. An advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the at least one holder is designed as a common holder for both floor rails. As a result, the holder is implemented in a structurally particularly simple manner. In addition, an exact alignment of the two floor rails with respect to one another is thereby made much easier. Correspondingly, the use of materials and the amount of work involved in assembling, i.e. fastening, the two floor rails to the wall are reduced.

An advantageous development of the frame assembly provides according to the above-mentioned embodiment that the holder forms a U-shaped bracket with the floor rails. In this way, the structural effort when fastening the two floor rails to the wall by means of the at least one holder is further reduced.

A particularly advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the floor rails have an end stop at the wall-side ends thereof and/or the at least one holder has/have an end stop, wherein the at least one end stop limits the insertion of the free-standing household appliance in the direction of the wall. As a result, the free-standing household appliance is not only guided transversely to the wall while inserting it into the recess provided for the free-standing household appliance by means of the two floor rails disposed parallel to one another, but the free-standing household appliance is also oriented perpendicular to the wall. Correspondingly, the accuracy of fit of the insertion of the free-standing household appliance into the recess thereof on the wall is further improved.

An advantageous development of a system according to the invention, comprising a frame assembly according to the invention and a free-standing household appliance, provides that the frame assembly is designed in accordance with the aforementioned paragraph and that the at least one end stop is designed and disposed relative to the free-standing household appliance in such a way that the free-standing household appliance inserted into the recess on the floor rails is at a distance from the rest of the frame assembly and the wall, such that an undesired transmission of vibrations of the free-standing household appliance to the frame assembly or the wall is prevented in every operating state of the free-standing household appliance. In this way, undesired noise emissions during operation of the free-standing household appliance are effectively prevented in a structurally simple manner.

An advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the floor rails are designed such that the floor rails can be integrated into a floor or a floor covering. This further improves the overall visual impression of the free-standing household appliance inserted into the furniture set. In addition, the floor rails do not protrude above the floor or the floor covering, for example a tiled splashback.

Another particularly advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the at least one holder can be connected in an articulated manner to the wall in such a way that the floor rails can be transferred from an idle position to a position of use, wherein the floor rails are disposed in a space-saving manner on the rest of the frame assembly in the idle position thereof and abut on a floor or floor covering disposed adjacent to the wall in the position of use for guiding the feet of the free-standing household appliance. In this way, in the idle position of the two floor rails, the frame assembly can be folded up in a space-saving and ergonomic manner, so that the storage, transport and handling of the frame assembly according to the invention is improved in accordance with the present embodiment.

An advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the holder is disposed in an articulated manner on a fastening cross member of the frame assembly, wherein the fastening cross member can be connected to the wall. As a result, the articulated connection of the at least one holder to the wall can be implemented in a particularly simple manner in terms of construction. In addition, the fastening cross member allows the at least one holder to be easily aligned relative to the wall.

Another particularly advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the holder and/or the fastening cross member are/is designed for attaching a front wall. In this way, it is possible to attach a front wall to the wall in addition to the floor rails without additional structural effort. The total workload is reduced accordingly. A front wall is useful, for example, when the depth of the pieces of furniture of the furniture set is less than the depth of the free-standing household appliance. A common depth of, for example, bathroom furniture is 45 cm, while a common depth of free-standing household appliances is 60 cm. Correspondingly, by means of the frame assembly according to the invention, it is possible to set up a free-standing household appliance flush relative to the furniture set thereof. This can be implemented particularly easily with the frame assembly according to the invention in accordance with the present embodiment; the rest of the free-standing household appliance can be received in an intermediate space formed between the front wall and the wall, so that a common front to the furniture set and the free-standing household appliance inserted into the recess can extend substantially flush in the desired manner.

Another advantageous development of the frame assembly according to the invention provides that the frame assembly is designed to be adjustable in height, such that an interior space of the frame assembly designed to receive a free-standing household appliance, regardless of a height adjustment made, is retained in the dimensions thereof, the frame assembly preferably being designed to be adjustable in height as a whole. In this way it is ensured that the dimensions of an interior space formed on the frame assembly for receiving a free-standing household appliance are retained regardless of a height adjustment made. Furthermore, by means of the height adjustment of the frame assembly as a whole, an adaptation of the frame assembly to mutually different installation conditions, for example floors of different heights, is made possible without additional aids and with very little effort.

An advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment of the frame assembly provides that the frame assembly has a height adjustment mechanism for a stepwise or stepless height adjustment of the frame assembly, wherein the height adjustment mechanism can be locked at a predetermined height. This allows the height adjustment of the frame assembly as a whole in a simple manner.

An advantageous development of the last-mentioned embodiment of the frame assembly provides that the height adjustment mechanism has at least two foot parts, wherein the foot parts are each disposed in a cavity of the frame assembly. In this way, a space-saving and structurally simple height adjustment mechanism can be implemented.

Embodiments of the invention are shown purely schematically in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view, obliquely from the front right, of an embodiment of the frame assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view, obliquely from the front left, of the embodiment from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a third perspective view, obliquely from the rear, of the embodiment from FIG. 1 without the wall;

FIG. 4 is a fourth perspective view, obliquely from the rear, of the embodiment from FIG. 1 with the wall;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, obliquely from the rear, of an embodiment of the system according to the invention, without the wall;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment from FIG. 5, with the wall;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, obliquely from the front right, of a further embodiment of a frame assembly; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, obliquely from the rear left, of a further embodiment of a frame assembly having a data processing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view, obliquely from the front right, of an embodiment of a frame assembly 2 according to the invention for inserting a free-standing household appliance 3 into a recess 4 of a furniture set that is or can be disposed against a wall 6. The free-standing household appliance 3 is only shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and is designed in this case as a washing machine, i.e. as a water-carrying household appliance. The washing machine 3 has a standard depth of 60 cm. The furniture set has a plurality of pieces of furniture (not shown) designed as bathroom furniture, placed side by side along the wall 6. The pieces of furniture of the furniture set thus form a row of furniture, the recess 4 for inserting the free-standing household appliance 3 being disposed in the row of furniture. The pieces of bathroom furniture each have a standard depth of 45 cm.

In order to place the free-standing household appliance 3 precisely into the recess 4 of the row of furniture provided for this purpose, the frame assembly 2 according to the invention comprises two floor rails 8 disposed parallel to one another for guiding the feet 5 of the free-standing household appliance 3 disposed on two opposite sides of the free-standing household appliance 3 while inserting the free-standing household appliance 3 into the recess 4. The feet 5 of the free-standing household appliance 3 are only partially shown in FIG. 6. The floor rails 8 are fastened to the wall 6 by means of a common holder 10 and each have a raised edge 9 running on an outer side of the respective floor rail 8 for lateral guidance of the feet 5 of the free-standing household appliance 3 while inserting it into the recess 4.

In the present embodiment, the holder 10 having the two floor rails 8 is designed as a U-shaped bracket 12 which is disposed in an articulated manner by means of two joints 13 on a fastening cross member 14 of the frame assembly 2, wherein the fastening cross member 14 can be connected to the wall 6. In addition, the U-shaped bracket 12 has an end stop (not shown) for each of the two floor rails 8, the two end stops limiting the insertion of the free-standing household appliance 3 in the direction of the wall 6. The delimitation is designed and coordinated with the free-standing household appliance 3, such that vibrations are not undesirably transmitted to the frame assembly 2 or the wall 6 during operation of the free-standing household appliance 3 in every operating state of the free-standing household appliance 3. For example, it can be provided that the respective end stop of the holder or the floor rails of the frame assembly according to the invention is adjustable relative to the holder or to the floor rails, so that the respective end stop can be individually adjusted to the requirements of the individual case. However, it is also conceivable that the respective end stop is disposed on the holder or the floor rails, such that a large number of free-standing household appliances available on the market cannot transmit any undesired vibrations to the frame assembly or the wall during the operation thereof.

The U-shaped bracket 12 having the holder 10 and the two floor rails 8 can be connected in an articulated manner to the wall 6 by means of the fastening cross member 14 and the joints 13 in such a way that the floor rails 8 can be transferred from an idle position (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 4) into the position of use (shown in FIGS. 1 to 4), wherein the floor rails 8 are disposed in a space-saving manner on the rest of the frame assembly 2 in the idle position thereof and abut on a floor 16 disposed adjacent to the wall 6 in the position of use for guiding the feet 5 of the free-standing household appliance 3. In the idle position (not shown) of the floor rails 8, the U-shaped bracket 12 having the holder 10 and the floor rails 8 is folded up by means of the joints 13 in the image plane of FIG. 1, so that the frame assembly 2 according to the invention can be stored and transported in a space-saving manner in accordance with the present embodiment in the idle position of the floor rails 8 and can be easily handled. In the idle position, the U-shaped bracket 12 can be held on the fastening cross member 14 by means of at least one permanent magnet, for example.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the above-explained embodiment of a frame assembly 2 according to the invention is shown in perspective views that are different from one another.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 4, the fastening cross member 14 of the frame assembly 2 according to the invention is designed in accordance with the present embodiment for attaching a front wall (not shown). For this purpose, a frame-like framework 18 is designed on the fastening cross member 14, which on the one hand can be connected to the floor 16 or can be supported on the floor 16 and on the other hand can be connected to the wall 6. For example, screw connections 20 are provided for this purpose. The fastening cross member 14 is adjustable in height by means of the frame-like framework 18 thereof, so that the fastening cross member 14 and thus the U-shaped bracket 12 having the holder 10 and the two floor rails 8 can be adapted to floors 16 of different heights. For this purpose, the framework 18 has a height adjustment mechanism 19. For example, the height adjustment mechanism 19 of the framework 18 can be designed as tubular pieces of the framework 18 inserted one inside the other, which are designed to be movable relative to one another and can be locked in a desired position relative to one another, stepwise or steplessly. The tubular pieces of the framework 18 are simultaneously designed as foot parts 21 in this case.

By means of the front wall, an intermediate space (not shown in detail) can be implemented between the wall 6 and the front wall in which, for example, parts of a domestic installation and/or connections of the free-standing household appliance 3 to the domestic installations can be accommodated. The intermediate space can also serve, as in the present embodiment, to partially accommodate the free-standing household appliance 3 in its depth, in order to allow, for example, a common, flush front to the furniture set and the free-standing household appliance 3 inserted into the recess 4.

For the aforementioned connections of the free-standing household appliance 3 to the domestic installations, the frame assembly 2 comprises at least one connection module 22 for connecting the free-standing household appliance 3 to the domestic installations, wherein the connection module 22 is designed both to connect at least one connector of the free-standing household appliance 3 to the connection module 22 and to connect the connection module 22 to the domestic installations. See FIGS. 5 and 6 in this regard. In the present embodiment, the at least one connector is designed as a power cable 24 having a plug 26, two hoses (not shown) for fresh water formed as cold water and hot water and a hose (not shown) for waste water. The hoses for fresh water and for waste water are each designed as separate connection means and can each be connected to the free-standing household appliance 3 by means of a quick-release fastener. For this purpose, the free-standing household appliance 3 has quick-release locking means 28, 30 and 32.

The connection module 22 is thus designed to connect a free-standing household appliance 3 designed as a water-carrying household appliance to the domestic installations, the connection module 22 having a water supply pipe 34 for cold water with a fresh water inlet 36 assigned to the domestic installations and a fresh water outlet 38 assigned to the free-standing household appliance 3, a water supply pipe 40 for hot water to a fresh water inlet 42 assigned to the domestic installations and a fresh water outlet 44 assigned to the free-standing household appliance 3, and a water discharge pipe 46 to a waste water inlet 48 assigned to the free-standing household appliance 3 and a waste water outlet (not shown) assigned to the domestic installations. A shut-off valve 52, 54 is disposed in each of the two water supply pipes 34, 40, wherein each shut-off valve 52, 54 automatically blocks a fresh water supply to the free-standing household appliance 3 designed as the water-carrying household appliance depending on an output signal of a leakage sensor (not shown). The leakage sensor can be disposed, for example, in a floor or in a floor covering on which the free-standing household appliance 3 is set up. Furthermore, a plurality of leakage sensors can also be disposed distributed over the floor or the floor covering. However, it is also conceivable that the leakage sensor is an integral constituent of the connection module. In addition, the connection module 22 has three sockets 50 which are electrically connected to the domestic installations, inter alia for supplying power to the free-standing household appliance 3.

As can be clearly seen from FIGS. 1 to 6, in particular FIGS. 5 and 6, the frame assembly 2 has an interior space 56 delimited by the frame assembly 2 for receiving the free-standing household appliance 3, the connection module 22 being disposed outside the interior space 56 on the frame assembly 2. The connection module 22 is disposed on the frame assembly 2 in such a way that the connector of the free-standing household appliance 3 disposed on a rear side of the free-standing household appliance 3, namely the power cable 24 having the plug 26, the hose for cold water, the hose for hot water and the hose for waste water, can be connected to the connection module 22.

Furthermore, it can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6 that the frame assembly 2 has a first frame 58 and a second frame 60 separate from the first frame 58, wherein the first frame 58 is designed to receive the free-standing household appliance 3 and the second frame 60 is designed to receive the connection module 22, and wherein the second frame 60 can be connected to the first frame 58 in such a way that the second frame 60 is disposed in an installed position (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the frame assembly 2 laterally next to the first frame 58. In the first frame 58, the interior space 56 for receiving the free-standing household appliance 3 is formed. The two frames 58, 60 of the frame assembly 2 can be screwed together, for example, in a manner known to a person skilled in the art.

The frame assembly 2 having the two frames 58, 60 is designed to be adjustable in height by means of the height adjustment mechanism 19. Correspondingly, in this regard, the second frame 60 is designed analogously to the first frame 58, so that reference can be made to the above statements regarding the first frame 58 and the height adjustment mechanism 19. In this way, an adaptation of the frame assembly to mutually different installation conditions, for example floors of different heights, is made possible without additional aids and effort. In order to adjust the height of the frame assembly 2 as a whole, it is only necessary to connect the first frame 58 and the second frame 60 of the frame assembly 2 to one another in advance in the manner explained above.

Regardless of this, the frame assembly 2 in the present embodiment is designed to be adjustable in height in such a way that the dimensions of the interior space 56 of the frame assembly 2 formed for receiving the free-standing household appliance 3 are retained regardless of a height adjustment made. In this way it is ensured that the dimensions of the interior space 56 formed on the frame assembly 2 for receiving the free-standing household appliance 3 are retained regardless of a height adjustment made.

The frame assembly 2 forms a system 1 according to the invention with the free-standing household appliance 3, wherein the frame assembly 2 and the free-standing household appliance 3 are designed to be coordinated with one another, such that the free-standing household appliance 3 can be connected to the connection module 22 in a first connection process with the separate connection means, namely the hoses for cold water, hot water and waste water, of the at least one connector and this connection means, i.e. the above-mentioned hoses, can be connected to the free-standing household appliance 3 in a subsequent second connection process. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 6, the free-standing household appliance 3 has a rear cover protrusion 62, wherein the separate connection means, namely the hoses for cold water, hot water and waste water, are disposed in an installation space 66 defined by means of the cover protrusion 62 and a rear wall 64 of the free-standing household appliance 3 after the connection of the free-standing household appliance 3 to the connection module 22 has taken place in the inserted state (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the free-standing household appliance 3. The plug 26 is shown incorrectly in FIG. 6 with the reference sign 26 merely for better identification. In reality, when the free-standing household appliance 3 is in the inserted state, the plug 26 is plugged into one of the sockets 50 of the connection module 22 in the manner already explained above.

The mode of operation of the frame assembly according to the invention and the system according to the invention will be explained in more detail below in accordance with the present embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

A user (not shown) first mounts the frame assembly 2 according to the invention in the recess 4 provided for the free-standing household appliance 3 in the furniture set that can be disposed against the wall 6. For this purpose, the user connects the first framework 58 of the frame assembly 2, namely the framework 18 of the fastening cross member 14, by means of the screw connections 20 on the one hand to the wall 6 and on the other hand to the floor 16. Any necessary height compensation between the fastening cross member 14 and the U-shaped bracket 12 having the holder 10 and the floor rails 8 fastened in an articulated manner thereon, on the one hand, and the floor 16 on the other hand, is made possible in a simple manner by means of the height adjustment mechanism 19 of the framework 18 of the fastening cross member 14, and namely such that the dimensions of the interior space 56 of the frame assembly 2 formed for receiving the free-standing household appliance 3 are retained.

Similarly, the user fastens the second frame 60 of the frame assembly 2 and connects the two frames 58, 60 in a manner known to a person skilled in the art. The connection module 22 of the second frame 60 is first connected to the domestic installations. Correspondingly, the fresh water supply 36 of the water supply pipe 34 for the cold water is connected to a cold water pipe of the domestic installations, the fresh water supply 42 of the water supply pipe 40 for the hot water is connected to a hot water pipe, the waste water drain (not shown) of the wastewater pipe 46 is connected to a wastewater pipe of the domestic installations, and the sockets 50 are connected to a power network of the domestic installations in a manner known to a person skilled in the art.

The user then attaches the front wall (not shown) to the framework 18 of the fastening cross member 14 and, in a manner analogous thereto, to the second frame 60. Then the user folds the U-shaped bracket 12 having the holder 10 and the two floor rails 8 by means of the joints 13 from the fastening cross member 14 in the direction of the floor 16 until the two floor rails 8 disposed parallel to one another abut on the floor 16. The two floor rails 8 are thus transferred from their idle position to their position of use shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

The user connects the free-standing household appliance 3 to the connection module 22, whereby, in a first connection process, the user first connects the separate connector designed as a hose for the cold water to the fresh water outlet 38 of the water supply pipe 34 for the cold water, the separate connector designed as a hose for the hot water to the fresh water outlet 44 of the water supply pipe 40 for the hot water, and the separate connector designed as a hose for the waste water to the waste water inlet 48 of the water discharge pipe 46. Furthermore, the user connects the plug 26 of the power cable 24 of the free-standing household appliance 3 to one of the sockets 50 of the connection module 22. The user inserts the free-standing household appliance 3 with the feet 5 thereof by means of the two floor rails 8 into the recess 4 provided for the free-standing household appliance 3, leaving a small assembly gap. The free-standing household appliance 3 is moved in the image plane of FIG. 1 from the front left towards the rear right, parallel to the two floor rails 8. The two floor rails 8 ensure, on the one hand, that the effort required to insert the free-standing household appliance 3 into the recess 4, regardless of the nature of the floor 16, is low. On the other hand, the two floor rails 8 give the free-standing household appliance 3 the necessary lateral guidance when it is inserted into the recess 4 by means of their raised edges 9 so that the free-standing household appliance 3 is precisely aligned transversely to the wall 6 relative to the recess 4 and thus relative to the furniture set.

In a second connection process subsequent to the first connection process explained above, the user connects the hoses for cold water, hot water and waste water to the quick-release locking means 28, 30 and 32 corresponding thereto on the free-standing household appliance 3 by means of the quick-release locking means formed on each hose.

The user then inserts the free-standing household appliance 3 into the recess 4 until the feet 5 of the free-standing household appliance 3 rest against the end stops of the two floor rails 8 (not shown). In this way, on the one hand, the free-standing household appliance 3 is precisely aligned in the recess 4 transversely to the wall 6 and, on the other hand, the free-standing household appliance 3 is precisely aligned in the direction perpendicular to the wall 6. The precise alignment both transversely to the wall 6 and perpendicular to the wall 6 is very important. On the one hand, this effectively prevents vibrations from being transmitted in an undesired manner from the free-standing household appliance 3 to the frame assembly 2 or to the wall or to the furniture set. In this way, for example, damage to or at least functional impairment of the furniture set and of the free-standing household appliance 3 is prevented. On the other hand, this prevents, or at least reduces, undesired noise emissions during the operation of the free-standing household appliance 3. In the inserted state of the free-standing household appliance 3 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the power cable 24 and the hoses for cold water, hot water and waste water are received in the installation space 66 defined by the cover protrusion 62 and the rear wall 64 of the free-standing household appliance 3.

The user then sets up the pieces of furniture in the furniture set of the free-standing household appliance 3 along the front wall (not shown), so that a row of furniture results with the free-standing household appliance 3 inserted into the recess 4, wherein the free-standing household appliance 3, together with the pieces of furniture in the furniture set, forms an optical unit by means of the frame assembly 2 according to the invention and the system 1 according to the invention. For example, a desired flush orientation of the common front of the furniture set is established relative to the free-standing household appliance 3 in accordance with the present embodiment of the frame assembly 2 according to the invention inserted into the recess 4, since the depth of the free-standing household appliance 3 exceeding the piece of furniture of the furniture set by 15 cm is received in the intermediate space between the front wall, on which the pieces of furniture of the furniture set are set up and aligned, and the wall 6 to which the frame assembly 2 according to the invention is fastened according to the present embodiment.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment explained. For example, the free-standing household appliance as well as the furniture set can be freely selected within wide suitable limits. Furthermore, embodiments without the use of a front wall are also possible. This is the case, for example, when the at least one piece of furniture in the furniture set and the free-standing household appliance have the same overall depth. Correspondingly, in such embodiments there is no need for a framework for attaching a front wall. The two floor rails disposed parallel to one another can also be connected to the wall in other ways. Non-articulated connections are also possible. In addition, it is also conceivable that the pieces of furniture of the furniture set are set up in advance along the wall or the front wall, i.e. prior to the insertion of the free-standing household appliance into the recess provided for this in the furniture set. Accordingly, the free-standing household appliance can also be inserted retrospectively into the furniture set using the frame assembly according to the invention. The same applies in the case of maintenance of the free-standing household appliance, in which the free-standing household appliance, due to the frame assembly according to the invention and the system according to the invention, is easily pulled, for the purpose of maintenance or repair, out of the recess of the furniture set which is set up against the wall or the front wall and, after the maintenance or repair has been completed, it can be inserted back into the recess.

The two floor rails of the frame assembly according to the invention, which are disposed parallel to one another, can abut loosely on the floor disposed adjacent to the wall. However, it is also conceivable that the floor rails are also firmly connected to the floor. Furthermore, it is possible for the floor rails to be designed in such a way that the floor rails can be integrated into a floor or a floor covering. This further improves the overall visual impression of the free-standing household appliance inserted into the furniture set. In addition, the floor rails do not protrude above the floor or the floor covering, for example a tiled splashback.

The fastening cross member can be connected directly or indirectly, for example by means of the framework formed on the fastening cross member or a framework disposed on the fastening cross member, to the wall or to the wall as well as the floor. In addition, it is possible that the two floor rails are only fastened to the wall by means of the at least one holder. The use of a fastening cross member is therefore not absolutely necessary.

If a joint is used for the articulated connection of the at least one holder to the wall in the frame assembly according to the invention, the at least one end stop can furthermore be designed as part of the at least one joint or as the at least one joint. Correspondingly, the functionality of the at least one joint is increased and the construction of the frame assembly according to the invention having an articulated connection of the at least one holder to the wall is further simplified.

In contrast to the embodiment intended solely by way of example, the frame assembly according to the invention can also have only a single frame on which, on the one hand, the interior space for receiving the free-standing household appliance is formed and, on the other hand, the connection module is disposed.

In principle, the connection module can be freely selected within wide, suitable limits in terms of type, mode of operation, material, dimensions, number and arrangement. For example, in contrast to the embodiment, it is possible that the leakage sensor is an integral constituent of the connection module.

The at least one connection module can be designed as a standard connection module which is designed to be suitable for a large number of mutually different free-standing household appliances. For example, such a standard connection module could be designed to be suitable both for connecting water-carrying free-standing household appliances and for connecting non-water-carrying free-standing household appliances.

FIG. 7 is a first perspective view, obliquely from the front right, of an embodiment of a frame assembly 200 for inserting an indicated free-standing household appliance 100 into a recess 400 of a furniture set 300 that is or can be disposed against a wall 600. The free-standing household appliance 100 can be designed in this case as a washing machine, i.e. as a water-carrying household appliance. The washing machine has a standard depth of 60 cm. The furniture set 300 possibly has a plurality of pieces of furniture designed as bathroom furniture, placed side by side along the wall 600. The pieces of furniture of the furniture set 300 thus form a row of furniture, the recess 400 for inserting the free-standing household appliance 100 being disposed in the row of furniture. The pieces of bathroom furniture each have a standard depth of 45 cm.

In order to place the free-standing household appliance 100 precisely into the recess 400 in the row of furniture provided for this purpose, the frame assembly 200 comprises two floor rails 800 disposed parallel to one another for guiding the feet 500 of the free-standing household appliance 100 disposed on two opposite sides of the free-standing household appliance 100 while inserting the free-standing household appliance 100 into the recess 400. The floor rails 800 are fastened to the wall 600 by means of a common holder 1000 and each have a raised edge 900 running on an outer side of the respective floor rail 800 for lateral guidance of the feet 500 of the free-standing household appliance 100 while inserting it into the recess 400.

In the present embodiment, the holder 1000 having the two floor rails 800 is designed as a U-shaped bracket 1200 which is disposed in an articulated manner by means of two joints 1300 on a fastening cross member 1400 of the frame assembly 200, wherein the fastening cross member 1400 can be connected to the wall 600. In addition, the U-shaped bracket 1200 has an end stop (not shown) for each of the two floor rails 800, the two end stops limiting the insertion of the free-standing household appliance 100 in the direction of the wall 600. The U-shaped bracket 1200 having the holder 1000 and the two floor rails 800 can be connected in an articulated manner to the wall 600 by means of the fastening cross member 1400 and the joints 1300 in such a way that the floor rails 800 can be transferred from an idle position (not shown) to a position of use shown in FIG. 7, wherein the floor rails 800 are disposed in a space-saving manner on the rest of the frame assembly 200 in the idle position thereof and abut on a floor 1600 disposed adjacent to the wall 600 in the position of use for guiding the feet 500 of the free-standing household appliance 100. In the idle position (not shown) of the floor rails 800, the U-shaped bracket 1200 having the holder 1000 and the floor rails 800 is folded up by means of the joints 1300 in the image plane of FIG. 7, so that the frame assembly 200 can be stored and transported in a space-saving manner into the idle position of the floor rails 800 and can be easily handled.

As can be seen from FIG. 7, the fastening cross member 1400 is designed for attaching a front wall (not shown). For this purpose, a frame-like framework 1800 is formed on the fastening cross member 1400, which on the one hand can be connected to the floor 1600 or can be supported on the floor 1600 and on the other hand can be connected to the wall 600. For example, screw connections 2000 are provided for this purpose. The fastening cross member 1400 is adjustable in height by means of its frame-like framework 1800, so that the fastening cross member 1400 and thus the U-shaped bracket 1200 having the holder 1000 and the two floor rails 800 can be adapted to floors 1600 of different heights. For this purpose, the framework 1800 has a height adjustment mechanism 1900. For example, the height adjustment mechanism 1900 of the framework 1800 can be designed as tubular pieces of the framework 1800 inserted one inside the other, which tubular pieces are designed to be movable relative to one another and can be locked in a desired position relative to one another, stepwise or steplessly. By means of the front wall, an intermediate space (not shown in detail) can be implemented between the wall 600 and the front wall, in which, for example, parts of domestic installations 1100 and/or connections of the free-standing household appliance 100 to the domestic installations 1100 can be accommodated. The intermediate space can also serve to partially accommodate the free-standing household appliance 100 in its depth, in order to allow, for example, a common, flush front to the furniture set and the free-standing household appliance 100 inserted into the recess 400.

The mode of operation of the frame assembly for inserting a free-standing household appliance 100 is explained in greater detail below by way of example.

A user (not shown) first mounts the frame assembly 200 in the recess 400 provided for the free-standing household appliance 100 in the furniture set that can be disposed against the wall 600. For this purpose, the user connects the frame assembly 200, namely the framework 1800 of the fastening cross member 1400, by means of the screw connections 2000 on the one hand to the wall 60 and on the other hand to the floor 1600. Any necessary height compensation between the fastening cross member 1400 and the U-shaped bracket 1200 having the holder 1000 and the floor rails 800 fastened in an articulated manner thereon on the one hand, and the floor 1600 on the other hand is made possible in a simple manner by means of the height adjustment mechanism 1900 of the framework 1800 of the fastening cross member 1400.

The user then fastens the front wall (not shown) to the framework 1800 of the fastening cross member 1400. Then the user folds the U-shaped bracket 1200 with the holder 1000 and the two floor rails 800 by means of the joints 1300 from the fastening cross member 1400 in the direction of the floor 1600 until the two floor rails 800 disposed parallel to one another abut on the floor 1600. The two floor rails 800 are thus transferred from the idle position thereof to the shown position of use thereof. The user connects the free-standing household appliance 100 to connections of domestic installations 1100 and inserts the free-standing household appliance 100 with the feet 500 thereof by means of the two floor rails 800 into the recess 400 provided for the free-standing household appliance 100. The free-standing household appliance 100 is moved in the image plane of FIG. 7 from the front left in the direction to the rear right, parallel to the two floor rails 800. The two floor rails 800 ensure, on the one hand, that the effort required to insert the free-standing household appliance into the recess 400, regardless of the nature of the floor 1600, is low. On the other hand, the two floor rails 800 give the free-standing household appliance the necessary lateral guidance when it is inserted into the recess 400 by means of the raised edges 900 thereof so that the free-standing household appliance 100 is precisely aligned transversely to the wall 600 relative to the recess 400 and thus relative to the furniture set 300.

The user inserts the free-standing household appliance 100 into the recess 400 until the feet 500 of the free-standing household appliance 100 rest against the end stops of the two floor rails 800 (also not shown). In this way, on the one hand, the free-standing household appliance 100 is precisely aligned in the recess 400 transversely to the wall 600 and, on the other hand, the free-standing household appliance 100 is precisely aligned in the direction perpendicular to the wall 600. On the one hand, this effectively prevents vibrations from being transmitted in an undesired manner from the free-standing household appliance 100 to the frame assembly 200 or to the furniture set 300. In this way, for example, damage to or at least functional impairment of the furniture set 300 and of the free-standing household appliance 100 is prevented. On the other hand, this prevents, or at least reduces, undesired noise emissions during the operation of the free-standing household appliance 100.

The user then sets up the pieces of furniture in the furniture set 300 of the free-standing household appliance 100 along the front wall (not shown), so that a row of furniture results with the free-standing household appliance 100 inserted into the recess 400, wherein the free-standing household appliance, together with the pieces of furniture in the furniture set 300, forms an optical unit by means of the frame assembly 200. For example, a desired flush orientation of the common front of the furniture set 300 is established relative to the free-standing household appliance 100 of the frame assembly 200 inserted into the recess 400, since the depth of the free-standing household appliance 100 exceeding the piece of furniture of the furniture set 300 by approx. 15 cm is received in the intermediate space between the front wall, on which the pieces of furniture of the furniture set 300 are set up and aligned, and the wall 600 to which the frame assembly 200 is fastened.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates another embodiment, this time with a perspective view of the frame assembly 200 from the rear (from the wall).

In this case, the frame assembly 200 has a framework 1800 which forms two adjacent compartments, wherein a first compartment 10000 for receiving the free-standing household appliance 100 and the second compartment 10100 has a plurality of holding devices 10200 for various electronic elements 10300 and various holding devices 10200 for water-carrying components 10400. The second compartment 10100 or the holding devices 10200 provided there serve (for example) for the stationary fixing of connections (warm and/or cold) for a washbasin which can also extend on or into the second compartment 10100. Electrical connections for an operating sensor system for the washbasin and/or lighting can also be provided there. Consumption meters 11200 can also be integrated on the (hot and cold) water pipes illustrated in the lower region of the second compartment 10100, which are also fixed with holding devices 10200. Electric power required for the connection module 700, the consumption meters 11200, temperature, pressure or flow sensors or the operation of the electronic elements of water-carrying components 10400 can thus be provided in a fixed and protected manner.

At least the upper holding device 10200 is designed in such a way that it is displaceable (vertically) with respect to the second compartment 10100. The frame assembly 200 comprises a framework 1800, in which a module-coupling device 10500 is provided, with which two substantially identically designed or dimensioned frameworks 1800 are connected to one another (aligned with one another) so that the two compartments are formed side by side.

A plurality of damping elements 10600 are provided in the region of at least one floor rail 800 and (not explicitly shown in this case) on the framework 1800.

It is further illustrated that the framework 1800 includes at least one lateral slot 10700 for a water-carrying component 10400 near the floor. In this way, the framework 1800 can be penetrated by the water-carrying component 10400 in the region of the lateral slot 10700 and/or receive it in an integrated manner. For example, a drain 11300 can be routed to the domestic installations in a space-saving manner or a water supply integrated in the framework 1800 can be implemented at least partially. Independently of this, a (micro)filter 11400 for filtering out microplastics can also be provided in the drain.

The frame assembly is further embodied with a data processing system 10900 having a processor 11000 which is configured so that it can carry out the following method:

a) providing at least energy (electric power) and water via the connection module 700 to the free-standing household appliance 100;

b) supplying (simultaneously and/or staggered in time or as required) at least energy and water via the connection module 700 when requested by the free-standing household appliance 100;

c) monitoring the consumption of the free-standing household appliance 100 with regard to at least energy or water (for example by means of the consumption meters 11200); and

d) ending the provision of at least energy or water via the connection module 700 (or with activation of a shut-off valve) to the free-standing household appliance 100 if unexpected consumption is determined in step c).

If unexpected consumption is determined in step c), a transmission alarm signal is generated and made available for transmission to a remote control unit 10800.

For this purpose, a computer program product 11100 can be installed in the system for data processing, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out at least some of the aforementioned steps of the method.

In summary, according to a first example, a frame assembly (2) for inserting a free-standing household appliance (1) into a recess (4) of a furniture set (3) that is or can be disposed against a wall (6) is described, the frame assembly comprising two floor rails (8) disposed parallel to one another for guiding the feet (5) of the free-standing household appliance (1) disposed on two opposite sides of the free-standing household appliance (1), while inserting the free-standing household appliance (1), wherein the floor rails (8) can be fastened to the wall (6) by means of at least one holder (10), and further at least one connection module (7) for connecting the free-standing household appliance (1) to domestic installations (11), wherein the connection module (7) is designed both to connect the free-standing household appliance (1) to the connection module (7) and to connect the connection module (7) to the domestic installations (11).

According to a second example, a frame assembly according to the first example is described, wherein the connection module (7) is designed to connect a free-standing household appliance (1) designed as a water-carrying household appliance to the domestic installations (11).

According to a third example, a frame assembly according to the first or the second example is described, wherein at least one leakage sensor (15) is provided, wherein a shut-off valve (17) can preferably automatically block a water supply (20) to the free-standing household appliance (1) designed as the water-carrying household appliance depending on an output signal of the leakage sensor (15).

According to a fourth example, a frame assembly (2) according to one of examples one to three is described, wherein a leakage sensor (15) is formed having at least one floor rail (8).

According to a fifth example, a frame assembly (2) according to one of examples one to four is described, wherein a framework (18) is provided having at least two compartments (100, 101), wherein the first compartment (100) comprises the floor rails (8) for receiving the free-standing household appliance (1) and the second compartment (101) at least has at least one holding device (102) for an electronic element (103) or at least one holding device (102) for a water-carrying component (104).

According to a sixth example, a frame assembly (2) according to the fifth example is described, wherein at least one of the holding devices (102) is disposed displaceably with respect to the second compartment (101).

According to a seventh example, a frame assembly (2) according to examples one to six is described, wherein a framework (18) is provided such that a module-coupling device (105) is provided at least for the arrangement of at least one further framework (18), at least one further compartment (100, 101) or at least one further pair of floor rails (8) for a further free-standing household appliance (1).

According to an eighth example, a frame assembly (2) according to one of examples one to seven is described, wherein a damping element (106) is provided at least in at least one floor rail (8) or in at least one framework (18).

According to a ninth example, a frame assembly (2) according to one of examples one to eight is described, wherein the floor rails (8) disposed parallel to one another are telescopic.

According to a tenth example, a frame assembly (2) according to one of examples one to nine is described, wherein a framework (18) is provided which comprises at least one lateral slot (107) for a water-carrying component (104).

According to an eleventh example, a method is described for operating a free-standing household appliance (1) in a frame assembly (2) according to one of examples one to ten, comprising at least the following steps: (a) providing at least energy or water via the connection module (7) to the free-standing household appliance (1); (b) supplying at least energy or water via the connection module (7) when requested by the free-standing household appliance (1); c) monitoring the consumption of the free-standing household appliance (1) with regard to at least energy or water; and (d) ending the provision of at least energy or water via the connection module (7) to the free-standing household appliance (1) if unexpected consumption is determined in step c).

According to a twelfth example, a method according to example ten is described, wherein if unexpected consumption is determined in step c), a transmission alarm signal is generated and made available for transmission to a remote control unit (108).

According to a thirteenth example, a system for data processing (109) is described, comprising a processor (110) which is configured to carry out the method according to one of examples ten to eleven.

According to a fourteenth example, a computer program product (111) is described, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out at least the steps of one of the methods according to one of examples ten to eleven.

According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a frame assembly for inserting a free-standing household appliance into a recess on a wall, as described below.

It is known from the prior art to combine free-standing household appliances with pieces of furniture, such as kitchen or bathroom furniture. The free-standing household appliances are set up next to the pieces of furniture. The free-standing household appliances often look like foreign bodies in the living situation.

In addition, it can also be seen that more and more such free-standing household appliances are being combined with one another in living or kitchen spaces. On the one hand, this means that steps in the floor and/or recesses in/on a wall often have to be used in order to set up the appliances (standing together). This is also accompanied by a problematic water and/or power supply. In addition, because of the increased potential for damage in the living space or bathroom, it is desirable to implement a flexibly positionable and reliable monitoring of the functionality of the free-standing household appliances and their connections.

The object of the further aspect of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to allow for a visually pleasing and/or safe combination of a free-standing household appliance and at least one piece of furniture in a structurally simple manner.

These objects are achieved with a method and a device according to the features of the examples given below. It should be pointed out that the features listed individually in the examples can be combined with one another in any desired technologically practical manner and define further embodiments of the aspect of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the examples are clarified and explained in more detail in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the aspect of the invention being presented.

For this purpose, a frame assembly is helpful which, for inserting a free-standing household appliance into a recess of a furniture set that is or can be disposed against a wall, comprises (at least) two floor rails disposed parallel to one another for guiding the feet of the free-standing household appliance disposed on two opposite sides of the free-standing household appliance, while inserting the free-standing household appliance, wherein the floor rails can be fastened to the wall by means of at least one holder. Furthermore, at least one connection module for connecting the free-standing household appliance to domestic installations is provided, wherein the connection module is designed (and set up) both to connect the free-standing household appliance to the connection module and to connect the connection module to the domestic installations.

The advantage that can be achieved is, in particular, that it allows for a visually pleasing combination of a free-standing household appliance and at least one piece of furniture in a structurally simple manner. As a visually pleasing combination of the free-standing household appliance and the at least one piece of furniture, i.e. the furniture set that is or can be disposed against the wall, it is considered that the free-standing household appliance forms an optical unit with the furniture set into which it can be integrated. Accordingly, it makes sense that the free-standing household appliance can be inserted with a precise fit into the recess provided for the free-standing household appliance in the furniture set. This is implemented in a structurally simple manner by means of the frame assembly.

By means of the floor rails disposed parallel to one another, safe and precise guidance of the free-standing household appliance can be made possible while inserting it into the recess provided for the free-standing household appliance. Due to the at least one holder, by means of which the two floor rails disposed parallel to one another can be fastened to the wall, a very precise spatial alignment of the free-standing household appliance relative to the recess provided for the free-standing household appliance and thus relative to the furniture set, into which the free-standing household appliance is to be integrated, is achieved in a structurally particularly simple manner.

The free-standing household appliance can be, for example, a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a combination appliance for washing and drying laundry, or a dishwasher. The furniture set can be designed, for example, as a kitchen unit formed from a plurality of pieces of kitchen furniture in a kitchen or a plurality of pieces of bathroom furniture in a bathroom.

The term “free-standing household appliance” is to be understood in general terms and includes in particular free-standing household appliances having a large number of different designs of feet for setting up each free-standing household appliance on a floor. For example, the feet can be designed as rollers or comprise rollers. The rollers can be at least partially lockable in order to prevent the free-standing household appliance from rolling away undesirably during operation of the free-standing household appliance. However, other types of feet are also possible. It is also conceivable that the respective free-standing household appliance has a mixture of different types of feet. The possible designs of the floor rails of the frame assembly according to the invention for guiding the feet of the free-standing household appliance while inserting it into the recess provided for this purpose are also correspondingly diverse.

It is further provided in this frame assembly that it has at least one connection module for connecting the free-standing household appliance to domestic installations, wherein the connection module is designed both to connect the free-standing household appliance to the connection module and to connect the connection module to the domestic installations.

As a result, the connection of the free-standing household appliance to the domestic installations can be designed in a significantly simplified manner. In principle, the at least one connection module can be freely selected within wide, suitable limits in terms of type, mode of operation, material, dimensions, number and arrangement.

From this it can be deduced that such a connection module can already contribute independently to solve the problem mentioned at the outset. Accordingly, a frame assembly contributes to the solution, which frame assembly has at least one connection module for connecting a free-standing household appliance to domestic installations, wherein the connection module is designed both to connect the free-standing household appliance to the connection module and to connect the connection module to the domestic installations. This frame assembly can be further developed in particular with the water-carrying or energy-carrying components, sensors, frameworks, systems for data processing, etc. explained herein, without the parallel floor rails necessarily also having to be considered.

The at least one connection module can be designed as a standard connection module which is designed to be suitable for a large number of mutually different free-standing household appliances. For example, such a standard connection module could be designed to be suitable both for connecting water-carrying free-standing household appliances and (alternatively) for connecting non-water-carrying, but possibly energy-consuming and/or electricity-generating free-standing household appliances.

An advantageous development provides that the connection module is designed to connect a free-standing household appliance designed as a water-carrying household appliance to the domestic installations. In this way, the connection of a water-carrying household appliance to the domestic installations is simplified. The connection module can be designed to be suitable for a cold water connection and/or for a hot water connection of the free-standing household appliance.

An advantageous development provides that the connection module has a shut-off valve and/or (at least) one leakage sensor, the shut-off valve being able to automatically block a water supply to the free-standing household appliance designed as a water-carrying household appliance, preferably depending on an (electrical or electronic) output signal of the leakage sensor. This can reliably ensure that a water supply to the free-standing household appliance is prevented in the event of a leak in the free-standing household appliance. In addition, a corresponding safety device can be omitted from the free-standing household appliance.

Furthermore, the frame assembly can comprise (at least) one leakage sensor, which is formed with at least one floor rail. It is also possible for the leakage sensor to be formed with both floor rails. In particular, a water-sensitive sensor, for example in the manner of a capacitive sensor, can be designed by means of the floor rails. For this purpose, the floor rail can be designed to be partly electrically conductive and partly electrically insulated. In particular, the floor rail can be connected to a voltage source and/or measured value evaluation unit.

In the frame assembly, a framework having at least two compartments can be provided, the first compartment, for receiving the free-standing household appliance (having the floor rails), comprising and the second compartment at least having at least one holding device for an electronic element or at least one holding device for a water-carrying component. A “compartment” is understood to mean in this case, for example, a window or a space which is formed with the framework, for example in the manner of a framework surrounding the compartment at least partially or completely (possibly with the floor). The compartments are in particular formed parallel to the wall. The first compartment is oriented so that the free-standing household appliance can be at least partially received therein. The framework in the region of the first compartment can thus enclose the free-standing household appliance. Further compartments can be provided preferably adjacent (laterally) and separated from a portion of the framework. The compartments can, but need not, be of substantially the same size. The second compartment comprises at least one holding device on which an electronic element and/or a water-carrying component can be (permanently) mounted and/or fixed. The holding device can be designed with a plurality of assembly points for the electronic element and/or a water-carrying component, so that assembly adapted to the spatial conditions is possible. The holding device can in particular be a cross member (which at least partially covers or penetrates the second compartment) or a beam where, for example, mounting openings are made and/or fastening elements such as clamps, holding frames or housings, etc. can be attached. An electronic element can be a sensor, a voltage supply, an electrical plug, a system for data processing, etc. A water-carrying component can be a water pipe (e.g. in the form of a (rigid) pipe and/or a (flexible) hose, a valve, a water reservoir, etc.

At least one of the holding devices can be disposed displaceably with respect to the second compartment. This means, for example, that the framework has a plurality of receiving points or assembly points for one or all of the holding devices. In this context, “displaceable” is understood to mean in particular that the holding device is detached (at least partially) from the framework starting from a first predetermined position and can be fixed again in another second predetermined position. A guide can be provided for this purpose.

A framework can be provided in which a module-coupling device is provided for the arrangement of at least one further framework, at least one further compartment and/or at least one further pair of floor rails for a further free-standing household appliance. The framework can thus be expanded in a modular manner, in particular in such a way that further compartments are formed. For example, another compartment for a washbasin, another compartment for a toilet, etc. can be provided. The module-coupling device is designed in particular with the same or similar assembly systems for further constituents of the framework and/or the frame assembly, constituents lying next to one another usually forming corresponding plug connectors, screw systems, hook connectors, etc. It is possible to design the module-coupling device as separate modules which can be mounted on a framework or the frame assembly (at predetermined locations).

A damping element can be provided at least in/on at least one floor rail or in/on at least one framework. The damping can relate to a (vibrating) movement (for example the shaking of a washing machine) and/or a development of noise (possibly associated therewith or emanating from the free-standing household appliance). In particular, at least one damping element can be disposed in a gap or intermediate space between the free-standing household appliance and the frame assembly and/or framework. In this way, direct contact between the free-standing household appliance and the frame assembly can be avoided, so that the frame assembly has a substantially stationary position with respect to the wall during operation. This allows the connections to the domestic installations to be carried out in a simplified manner. In this way, the convenience when using such free-standing household appliances in living spaces can also be further improved.

The floor rails disposed parallel to one another can be designed to be telescopic. This means in particular that these are designed to be variable in length in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the insertion of the free-standing household appliance), wherein partial regions of the floor rail are able to be inserted into one another and possibly fixed to one another at predetermined points as required. This allows the frame assembly to be adapted to different free-standing household appliances and/or installation space situations or recesses.

A framework can be provided which comprises at least one lateral slot for a water-carrying component. “Lateral” is understood to mean in particular that the slot is (at least also) disposed laterally or substantially perpendicular to the compartment. It is preferred that the lateral slot intersects the plane of the compartment or is (directly) connected thereto. The lateral slot can be provided in the lower half of the framework towards the floor. It is possible for the lateral slot to be provided even below the location of the floor rails. The slot can be provided in the form of an opening in the framework itself or in a connecting piece on the framework. The slot can accommodate, enclose and/or fixate a water-carrying component. The slot and the water-carrying component can be connected to one another in a detachable or fixed manner (e.g. by a welded connection). With such a configuration, for example, a water pipe can be led past a compartment in a space-saving manner.

According to a further aspect, a method for operating a free-standing household appliance in a frame assembly described in this case is proposed which comprises at least the following steps:

a) providing at least energy or water via the connection module to the free-standing household appliance;

b) supplying at least energy or water via the connection module when requested by the free-standing household appliance;

c) monitoring the consumption of the free-standing household appliance with regard to at least energy or water; and

d) ending the provision of at least energy or water via the connection module to the free-standing household appliance if unexpected consumption is determined in step c).

The steps specified in this document can be carried out in chronological order a), b), c), d), but this is not mandatory. In particular, the steps can be carried out at least partially simultaneously or superimposed on one another.

According to step a), at least energy and/or water is provided to the free-standing household appliance by means of the connection module. This can mean that the electrical and/or water-carrying connections of the domestic installations are routed thereto and thus power and/or water can be called up or obtained therefrom.

If the free-standing household appliance then requires power and/or water to operate, it can be drawn from the domestic installations and, in accordance with step b), energy and/or water are supplied via the connection module at the request of the free-standing household appliance. For this purpose, valves and/or switches can in particular also be actuated as required.

According to step c), consumption of the free-standing household appliance is monitored with regard to energy and/or water, in particular simultaneously with step a) and/or b) and/or continuously over a predefinable period of time. For example, consumption meters, sensors, measuring systems, etc., which are preferably also (directly) constituents of the frame assembly, can be used for this purpose.

For example, predetermined consumption values can also be used specifically for the free-standing household appliance used and/or the (earlier, stored and/or analysed) usage of the free-standing household appliance used. These can, for example, be given to a system for data processing or filed/stored therein. During step c) or within the scope of step c), it can be checked (repeatedly) whether the determined consumption deviates from the predetermined, expected and/or usual consumption. Tolerances or deviations (fixed) can also be specified, which can be classified as expected or still acceptable.

However, if the situation arises that unexpected consumption is determined in step c), the provision of energy and/or water via the connection module to the free-standing household appliance is ended or interrupted in accordance with step d). This is done in particular by actuating at least one (central) switch and/or at least one (central) valve. The blocking is implemented in particular in the connection module and/or in a portion between the connection module and the domestic installations.

Further, specifiable measures may then be necessary before step d) can be ended and step a) can be initiated again. It is nevertheless possible to continue to carry out step c).

In particular, this method offers the possibility of determining undesired (idle) power consumption and/or water leakage.

If unexpected consumption is determined in step c), a transmission alarm signal can be generated and made available for transmission to a remote control unit. This can include a comparison of the predetermined/expected and/or usual consumption, possibly taking into account the current demand for energy and/or water. If an unauthorised large deviation is determined in this case, a transmission alarm signal can then be generated before, during, and/or after performing step d).

This can then be made available for transmission to a remote control unit, for example in such a way that a radio signal is transmitted via a transmission unit to the remote control unit (spatially) distant and/or located in the house. For this purpose, wired and/or non-wired signal forwarding can take place. Radio standards such as WiFi, 5G, LTE or the like can be used. The remote control unit is set up in particular to display an alarm message and/or to activate and/or deactivate a remote control of the connection module, an electrical component, a water-carrying component and/or a constituent of the domestic installations. In particular, the block according to step d) can then be confirmed, reinforced and/or cancelled again (manually).

A system for data processing is preferably provided, comprising a processor which is configured such that it executes the method proposed here (at least step by step). The system or the processor can be located in the region of the frame assembly and/or remotely, e.g. can be positioned in the building of the domestic installations.

In particular, a computer program product is also proposed, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out at least some or all steps of the method proposed herein. The computer program product can also be stored electronically in the form of an update on a corresponding system for data processing and/or stored therein or be set up for the purposes mentioned.

The explanations of the frame assembly and the operation thereof can be used (individually) to further characterise the method, the system for data processing and/or the computer program product and vice versa.

With regard to the method, the system for data processing and the computer program product, it should also be noted that these can also refer to a frame assembly, which frame assembly has at least one connection module for connecting a free-standing household appliance to domestic installations, wherein the connection module is designed both to connect the free-standing household appliance to the connection module and to connect the connection module to the domestic installations. This frame assembly can be further developed in particular with the water-carrying or energy-carrying components, sensors, frameworks, systems for data processing, etc. explained herein, without the parallel floor rails necessarily also having to be considered.

A modular, expandable front wall element (frame assembly) proposed in this case is in particular equipped with integrated shut-off devices for the cold water pipe and possibly also the feed line for renewable forms of energy and, for example, water meters. This element supplies and monitors, for example, the consumers connected in a bathroom, such as washing machine/dryer, toilet and washbasin element, and facilitates accessibility in the event of service. The extension allows for a space-saving integration of the washing machine in a front wall element (approx. 15 cm) and ensures a uniform front to the lightweight construction technology module group. The washing machine thus fits into the uniform ambience of the bathroom furniture having a uniform front. The connections are then preferably no longer behind the washing machine (first compartment), but in the technology element adjacent thereto (second compartment) having an integrated WPS (water protection system). 

1. A frame assembly (2) for inserting a free-standing household appliance (3) into a recess (4) of a furniture set that is or is configured to be disposed against a wall (6), the frame assembly comprising at least one connection module (22) for connecting the free-standing household appliance (3) to domestic installations, wherein the connection module (22) is configured both to connect at least one connector (26) of the free-standing household appliance (3) to the connection module (22) and to connect the connection module (22) to the domestic installations.
 2. The frame assembly (2) according to claim 1, wherein the connection module (22) is configured to connect the free-standing household appliance (3), designed as a water-carrying household appliance, to the domestic installations, the connection module (22) having at least one water supply pipe (34, 40) with a fresh water inlet (36, 42) assigned to the domestic installations and a fresh water outlet (38, 44) assigned to the free-standing household appliance (3), and a water discharge pipe (46) having a waste water inlet (48) assigned to the free-standing household appliance (3) and a waste water outlet assigned to the domestic installations.
 3. The frame assembly (2) according to claim 2, further comprising a shut-off valve (52, 54) in the water supply pipe (34, 40), wherein the shut-off valve (52, 54) automatically blocks a fresh water supply to the free-standing household appliance (3), depending on an output signal of a leakage sensor.
 4. The frame assembly according to claim 3, wherein the leakage sensor is an integral constituent of the connection module.
 5. The frame assembly (2) according to claim 1, wherein the connection module (22) has at least one socket (50) connected to the domestic installations to conduct electricity for supplying power to the free-standing household appliance (3).
 6. The frame assembly (2) according to claim 1, wherein the frame assembly (2) has an interior space (56) delimited by the frame assembly (2) for receiving the free-standing household appliance (3), the connection module (22) being disposed outside the interior space (56).
 7. The frame assembly (2) according to claim 1, wherein the connection module (22) is disposed on the frame assembly (2) such that a connector (24, 26) of the free-standing household appliance (3) disposed on the rear side of the free-standing domestic appliance (3) is configured to be connected to the connection module (22).
 8. The frame assembly (2) according to claim 1, wherein the frame assembly (2) has a first frame (58) and a second frame (60) separate from the first frame (58), the first frame (58) being configured to receive the free-standing household appliance (3) and the second frame (60) being configured to receive the connection module (22), the second frame (60) being configured to be connected to the first frame (58) in such a way that the second frame (60) is disposed in an installed position of the frame assembly (2) laterally next to the first frame (58).
 9. A system (1) comprising: the frame assembly (2) according to claim 1 and the free-standing household appliance (3).
 10. The system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the frame assembly (2) and the free-standing household appliance (3) are configured to be coordinated with one another to connect the free-standing household appliance (3) to the connection module (22) in a first connection process with at least one separate connector of at least one connector (24, 26) and the at least one separate this connector is configured to be connected to the free-standing household appliance (3) in a subsequent second connection process.
 11. The system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one separate connector is configured as a hose for a water-carrying connection between the connection module (22) and the free-standing household appliance (3).
 12. The system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one separate connector and at least one of the free-standing household appliance (3) and the connection module have corresponding quick-release locking means (28, 30, 32).
 13. The system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the free-standing household appliance (3) has a rear cover protrusion (62), the at least one separate connector being disposed in an installation space (66) defined by the cover protrusion (62) and a rear wall (64) of the free-standing household appliance (3) after a connection of the free-standing household appliance (3) to the connection module (22) has been established in an inserted state of the free-standing household appliance (3) 